TRANSFORMING DISTRESSED PROPERTIES
February 15, 2018
FEBRUARY 2018 WEBINAR
Marty Barnhart, Executive Director of Omaha Municipal LandBank presented during the 2018 February HomeNE Webinar. He discussed what a Land Bank does and what kinds of properties they target. Barnhart also presented on both the short-term and long-term impact measures including: property-tracking system implemented, inspiring change in neighborhoods and families, decrease in vacant lots, and increase in real estate development. An end-use partnership strategy was also shared; demonstrating how LandBank tackles projects, assistance within city redevelopment areas, and how they work with partners in their focus areas.
The 80th HomeNE Learning Network featured Jean Van Iperen, who discussed Columbus, Nebraska’s housing challenges and the city’s proactive strategies to address them. Jean highlighted the city’s 7% population growth and a shortage over 4 years of 387 homes, prompting efforts like zoning reform, streamlined permitting, and investment in new developments, including a 238-unit apartment complex. The city is also planning a new housing study, exploring affordable housing options, and considering mixed-use projects to meet evolving community needs. Participants were encouraged to revisit past webinars for insights and to attend the upcoming session on June 19th featuring Michelle Cole. The session emphasized the value of small takeaways from presentations and invited community members to share their stories for future webinars.
What comes after a successful housing project? Megan Weaver of Wakefield Progressive joins us to talk through the "after". Wakefield has had a number of successful housing initiatives over the past 12 years, but what is next? Megan is asking the question in hopes that the HomeNE Learning Network can give her a hand.
Dana Village in Blair, Nebraska is a unique project that shows how one man can change the world. Through a need to rid the Omaha area of homelessness, Ed Shada embarked on a journey to start Dana Village. Learn how one man is making a difference in Eastern Nebraska, assisting kids ageing out of the foster care system to get on their feet and find a path that works for them.
